Community focused projects

The Conservancy is engaging actively with the communities of Suurbraak and Heidelberg. Our environmentally focused projects are employing over 130 people.

The Grootvadersbosch Trail Network from Heidelberg to Suurbraak

Grootvadersbosch Silvermountain views

The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy received funding from the Table Mountain Fund to implement a trail network from Suurbraak to Heidelberg.

The Network provides a catalytic opportunity to conserve a unique landscape of fynbos vegetation from lowlands to mountain peak in the Langeberg mountains. The project will bring together key stakeholders to realise the tangible benefits associated with conservation activities. The project will provide employment opportunities and capacity building for local community members, particularly in the Suurbraak area. Knowledge transfer will be achieved through the integration of educational material into the signage, maps and promotional material that are developed for the eco-trail network. The project will also assist in creating green jobs and, sustaining conservation revenues, while raising awareness of the importance of protecting lowland fynbos, indigenous forest, and mountain catchments.

Working for Ecosystem Services: Alien vegetation clearing and restoration

Through financial support from the Department of Environment (Working for Water), Gondwana Alive and Private landowners, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is implementing an invasive clearing and restoration project.

We are now employing 11 contractor teams, which equates to 132 people in the Suurbraak and Heidelberg area. Since October we have cleared 960ha. We have cleared 300ha of mountain fynbos which was invaded with pines, wattles and Australian myrtle. The clearing will ensure the protection of the mountain fynbos, increased water runoff and enhancement of mountain views. Landowners are actively contributing and supporting the clearing. Follow-up will be required in 6 months but we hope that the fynbos will continue to dominate and slowly reduce the intensity of follow up.

Our nursery was built in October and is now home to over 2 000 indigenous trees. These will be planted later in the year to speed up forest rehabilitation. We are now starting to germinate trees from seed.

Training is a key focus of the programe. Since October, our beneficiaries have received training in Health and Safety, First Aid, Chainsaw Operation, Herbicide Application and Forest Restoration.